Clinical Volunteering Placements
Empowering PT, OT, and SLP students and professionals through life-changing exchanges with Amar Seva Sangam in India.
In-Person Clinical Placement
Since 2006, Handi-Care Intl. (HCI) has facilitated on-site clinical placements for Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech-Language Pathology students at our partner facility, Amar Seva Sangam (ASSA), located in the rural town of Ayikudy in Tamil Nadu, India.
We have agreements with 10 Canadian universities and 1 US university, placing over 250 students and professional volunteers. Placements focus on capacity building, knowledge exchange, and sustainable interventions.
Program Length: Placements range from 6 to 12 weeks, as dictated by your university. On-campus food and accommodation are provided by ASSA.
Placement Areas (Therapy Centers)
Institution Based Rehabilitation
- Young Adults with Spinal Cord Injury (inpatient)
- Early Intervention (Ages 0-6) for developmental delays (CP, autism, speech & hearing impairments)
- Children (Ages >6) with physical and intellectual disabilities
- Special Needs School & Outpatient Rehab
Village Based Rehabilitation
- Community and Home-Based Programs
- Early Intervention (Ages 0-6) for developmental delays (CP, autism, speech & hearing impairments)
- Older youth (Ages >10) with physical and intellectual disabilities
Expectations & Fees
- Supervision: You will be supervised directly by local ASSA therapists.
- Student Donation: $400 per week of placement (tax receipts provided). *Concessions are available for students demonstrating financial need.
- Professionals: No fee is charged, but donations to cover your board are appreciated!
Virtual Clinical Placement
Since 2020, Handi-Care Intl. has successfully facilitated remote placements for over 30 OT, PT, and SLP students from various Canadian universities. This program allows you to participate in global health initiatives right from Canada!
Students video-conference into synchronous therapy sessions with clients and lead therapists in India. You will also work asynchronously on intervention research, planning, consultation, and project work. This track focuses heavily on education, mentoring, and community development rather than direct 1-on-1 hands-on therapy.
The Setup: Students work in pairs and are assigned an Indian lead supervisor. Often, a North American support coach is assigned to help you bridge knowledge across different clinical contexts.
Key Details:
- Evaluations: Your lead supervisor in India will complete your evaluations, gathering input from your North American coach.
- Communication: WhatsApp is heavily used for daily clinical collaboration and team discussions (keeping client identities private).
- Projects: You will be assigned a specific project. Note that your project supervisor might be different from your clinical supervisor.
Orientation Manuals & Testimonials
Important Documents
Once accepted, reviewing these manuals is required. Feel free to browse them ahead of time to help guide your decision!
Hear From Past Volunteers
Learn more about what to expect straight from the students who have walked in your shoes.
Travel & Accommodation (In-Person)
Flights & Visas
- Flights: Usually range from $1200 – $2000. You can fly into Trivandrum or Madurai (both are a 3-hour taxi ride to campus). ASSA will arrange airport pickup.
- Passport & Visa: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months post-arrival. A valid visa is strictly required.
Health & Safety
- Vaccines: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, and Covid-19 are required.
- Medications: Bring standard relief items like Tylenol, Advil, Benadryl, and Imodium. Ensure you have travel medical insurance!
What's Included in Your Stay?
Included
- On-campus dedicated guest house (shared with up to 2 students).
- 3 healthy vegetarian meals a day + all-day coffee/tea access.
- Work-related travel to local villages.
- Consultations with the on-campus doctor for minor health issues.
Not Included
- Additional personal snacks (fruits, cookies).
- Personal sightseeing and shopping trips.
- Costs for prescription medicines.
